Container for suspending a bomb-like member

ABSTRACT

A horizontal support extends transversely of a container with resilient members supporting the ends of the support from the container. Upstanding, spaced apart, fixed brackets carried by the support are pivotally connected to the lower ends of upstanding, movable brackets with members limiting movement of the movable brackets away from each other. A flexible member connected at opposite ends to the movable brackets extends beneath and supports a bomb-like member. Hold-down members are adjustably connected to the support.

United States Patent Lancaster 1 1 June 10, 1975 [541 CONTAINER FOR SUSPENDING A 26/4371 4/1954 Blackinton 206/319 2,928,535 3/1960 Simmons et a1. 206/319 BOMB-LIKE MEMBER Primary Exuminer-William 1. Price Assistant Exumincr-Stevcn E. Lipman Attorney, Agent, or FirmJennings, Carter & Thompson {57] ABSTRACT A horizontal support extends transversely of a container with resilient members supporting the ends of the support from the container Upstanding, spaced apart, fixed brackets carried by the support are pivotally connected to the lower ends of upstanding, movable brackets with members limiting movement of the movable brackets away from each other A flexible member connected at opposite ends to the movable brackets extends beneath and supports a bomb-like member. Hold-down members are adjustably connected to the support.

11 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures {,2 nfg l l 52- 33 x 74 t 5/ l4 PATENTED JUN 1 0 I975 SHEET CONTAINER FOR SUSPENDING A BOMB-LIKE MEMBER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for suspending a bomb-like member in a container for shipping and storage.

As is well known in the art to which my invention relates, difficulties have been encountered in storing and shipping bomb-like members due to the fact that they are extremely heavy and must be protected from damage. Accordingly, heavy containers having complicated bomb support means therein have been employed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with my present invention, I provide horizontal supports which extend transversely of the container and are supported from the container by resilient means. Fixed brackets extend upwardly from the supports in spaced relation to each other with the upper end of each fixed bracket being pivotally connected to the lower end of an upstanding movable bracket. The movable brackets are restrained against outward movement away from each other and a flexible member extends between the movable brackets in position to pass beneath and engage the undersurface of a bomb-like member whereby the flexible member engages the bomb-like member with a snug fit to limit lateral movement thereof. Hold-down members are adjustably connected to the supporting means for the bomb-like members whereby the entire suspension system, including the hold-down means is self-contained and supported by the resilient connection between the suspension means and the container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Apparatus embodying features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing my improved means for supporting a pair of bomb-like members in a container, the top of the container being omitted, for the sake of clarity, and the bomb-like members being shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, sectional view taken generally along the line 22 of FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmental view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of my invention, I show a bomb container which may be formed of sheet metal and comprises the usual bottom wall 11 and upstanding side walls 12. The container 10 may be provided with a conventional type lid or cover member, not shown.

Extending transversely of the container 10 in spaced relation to the upper surface of the bottom wall 11 are horizontal support members 13 which are spaced from each other, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby they are adapted to extend beneath longitudinally spaced portions of the bomb-like members indicated in dotted lines at I4. As shown in FIG. 2, two pairs of upstanding, spaced apart. fixed brackets I6 are carried by each horizontal support member I3. One fixed bracket 16 of each pair extends alongside and in spaced relation to the adjacent side wall 12 of the container I0 while the innermost, fixed brackets 16 extend upwardly adjacent the longitudinal center of the bottom wall II for the container 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the end of each horizontal support member 13 is supported from the adjacent side walls 12 of the container by resilient, shock absorber members 17 which may be formed of a suitable material, such as rubber or the like. One side of each shock absorber member 17 is bonded to a vertical plate 18 which in turn is secured to the adjacent side wall 12 by cap screws 19. Secured to and projecting inwardly of each of the shock absorber members 17 is a bolt-like member 21 which passes through a suitable opening provided in the upstanding, fixed bracket I6 adjacent thereto. The bolt-like member 21 is secured to the fixed bracket 16 by a retaining nut 22, as shown.

Pivotally connected to the upper end of each fixed bracket 16 by a suitable hinge member 23 is an upstanding, movable bracket 24. The hinge member 23 may be in the form of a conventional type piano hinge having a pivot pin 26. Each movable bracket 24 is provided with a depending member 27 which extends downwardly alongside the adjacent fixed bracket I6 so as to limit pivotal movement of the movable bracket 24 relative to the fixed bracket I6. Accordingly, the depending members 27 limit outward pivotal movement of the upper ends of the brackets of each pair of movable brackets 24 away from each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a flexible support member 28 is connected adjacent opposite ends thereof to upper portions of the movable brackets 24 and extend therebetween in positon to pass transversely beneath and support a portion of a bomb-like member 14. Preferably, the upper end of each movable bracket 24 is turned outwardly as at 29 in position to engage the adjacent portion 31 of the flexible support member 28. A metal strip 32 extends along the upper inner surface of the flexible member 28, as shown. Suitable openings are provided through the outturned portion 29 and the metal strip 32 for receiving retaining elements 33 which may be in the form of rivets. Accordingly, the end portions 31 of each flexible supporting member 28 is secured in place between the members 29 and 32. Preferably, the flexible support member 28 is formed of a fabric webbing 34 having a thin, bendable metal member 36 extending along the undersurface thereof. The metal member 36 adds strength to the flexible support member while the fabric webbing 34 provides a deformable surface which accommodates itself to the outer surface of the bomb-like member to thus secure the bomb-like member snugly in place and at the same time prevent damage thereto.

Secured to and projecting upwardly from each side of each horizontal support member I3 is a cradle member 38 which extends transversely beneath and at an elevation below the flexible support member 28, as shown in FIG. 2. The cradle member 38 is secured rigidly to the horizontal support member 13 by welding, or the like, whereby it adds rigidity thereto. As shown in FIG. 2, each cradle member 38 is provided with an upwardly opening recess 39 for receiving an elongated tubular member 41 which is adapted to extend along the longitudinal center of the container II) at an elevation above the bottom wall 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end portions of the tubular member 41 are cut away at the tops thereof as at 42 for receiving the lower end of an adjustable connector element 43 which is shown as being in the form of an elongated member 44 having an eye or loop 46 at the lower end thereof which extends between the sides of the cut-away end portion at the adjacent end of the elongated tubular member 41. A pin 47 extends transversely through the eye 46 and through suitable openings provided in the cut-away end portions of the tubular member 41, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Suitable retaining collars 48 are mounted on the transverse pin 47 and are secured in place by a suitable set screw 49 to limit lateral movement of the pin 47 relative to the elongated tubular member 41. A turn-buckle SI is operatively connected to threaded portions of the elongated member 44, as shown in FIG. 3, whereby the effective length of the connector element 43 may be varied.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, transverse hold-down members 52 are mounted in the container in position to extend across the tops of the bomblike member 14 at longitudinally spaced locations. Suitable openings 53 are provided inwardly of the ends of the hold-down members 52, as shown in FIG. I, for receiving the usual support lugs carried by bomb-like members. Extending between and secured rigidly to the hold-down members 52 is an elongated frame member 54 which extends along the longitudinal center of the container 10. Secured rigidly to the outer side of each of the transverse hold-down members 52 is an outwardly and upwardly extending bracket 56 having an opening 57 therethrough for receiving a threaded end portion 58 of the elongated member 44, as shown in FIG. 3. A retaining nut 59 is mounted on the threaded portion 58 inwardly of each bracket 56 whereby the adjustable connector element 43 is secured to the bracket 56 and the holddown members 52 connected thereto.

From the foregoing description, the operation of my improved apparatus will be readily understood. The entire suspension assembly is mounted within the container 10 by means of the retaining elements 19 whereby the suspension assembly and the bomb-like members supported thereby are all supported in spaced relation to the inner surface of the container 10. With the flexible support members 28 in the position shown in FIG. 2, the bomb-like members 14 are lowered into place whereby the flexible support members support the bomb-like members adjacent opposite ends thereof, as shown in FIG. 1.

With the bombs in place on the flexible support members 28, the hold-down members 52 are positioned over the bomb-like members whereby the supporting lugs for the bombs pass through the openings 53 in the hold-down members 52 to thus limit both lateral and longitudinal movement of the bomb-like members relative to the hold-down members. The adjustable connector elements 43 are connected to the holddown members 52 by passing the upper ends of the elongated members 44 through the openings 57 in the brackets 56 and then mounting the nuts 59 on the threaded ends 58. The turnbuckle 51 is then rotated to reduce the overall length of the connector element 43 whereby the hold-down members 52 are firmly secured to the transverse support members 13. With the bomblike members thus secured in place, the usual lid or cover for the container 10 is installed in a conventional manner.

From the foregoing. it will be seen that I have devised improved apparatus for suspending bomb-like members within a container. By providing the movable support brackets 24 which are mounted on the fixed brackets 16 by pivot pins 23, the upper ends of the movable brackets 24 and the adjacent portions of the flexible support members 28 are adapted to move inwardly toward the bomb-like member after the same is positioned on the flexible supports 28. Accordingly, the inner surface of the fabric webbing 34 accommodates itself to the outer surface of the bomb whereby the bomb is firmly secured in place without damage to the outer surface thereof. Also, by supporting the ends of the transverse support members 13 on the resilient shock absorber elements and then connecting the holddown members to the transverse support members 13, the entire suspension assembly is secured together as a unit which is spaced from the inner surface of the container 10 to thus permit a limited amount of movement of the suspension assembly relative to the container. Furthermore, by providing the movable brackets 24 which automatically move into clamping position relative to the bomb upon insertion of the bomb on the flexible supports, together with the quick connection between the adjustable connector element 43 and the hold-down members. the bomb-like members may be placed in the containers or removed therefrom with a minimum of time and effort and without damage to the bomb-like member or the container whereby the container may be reused.

While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof,

What I claim is:

1. A container for suspending a bomb-like member comprising:

a. a generally horizontal support extending transversely of the container,

b. at least one pair of upstanding, spaced apart. fixed brackets carried by said horizontal support,

c. resilient means supporting the ends of said horizontal support from said container,

d. an upstanding, movable bracket pivotally connected adjacent its lower end to each of said fixed brackets,

e. means limiting outward pivotal movement of the movable brackets carried by each said pair of fixed brackets away from each other, and

f. a flexible support member connected adjacent opposite ends thereof to upper portions of said movable brackets and extending therebetween in position to extend transversely beneath and support a portion of a bomb-like member.

2. A container as defined in claim 1 in which said means limiting outward pivotal movement of the movable brackets away from each other comprises a depending member carried by each said movable bracket extending downwardly alongside the fixed bracket adjacent thereto.

3. A container as defined in claim 1 in which said resilient means is interposed between and secured to each side wall of the container and the upstanding fixed bracket adjacent thereto.

4. A container as defined in claim 3 in which two pairs of said fixed brackets are carried by said horizontal support with the outermost fixed brackets of each said pair being secured to said resilient means and the innermost fixed brackets of each said pair of brackets being adjacent the center of the container whereby said apparatus is adapted to support adjacent portions of a pair of parallel bomb-like members.

5. A container as defined in claim 4 in which two of said horizontal supports are mounted in said container in spaced relation to each other and in position to extend transversely beneath longitudinally spaced portions of said parallel bomb-like members.

6. A container as defined in claim 5 in which said two horizontal supports are connected to each other by an elongated frame member which holds said horizontal supports in a fixed position relative to each other.

7. A container as defined in claim 5 in which at least one transverse hold-down member is mounted in said container in position to extend across the tops of bomblike members supported by said support member and at least one adjustable connector element is interposed between and operatively connected to said hold-down member and said horizontal support.

8. A container as defined in claim 7 in whcih said hold-down member has a passageway therethrough for receiving a laterally projecting lug on a bomb-like member.

9. A container as defined in claim 7 in which two of said transverse hold-down members are mounted in said container in spaced relation to each other and are connected to each other by an elongated frame member.

10. A container as defined in claim 9 in which an adjustable connector element is operatively connected at one end to each said hold-down member and operatively connected at the other end thereof to the adjacent horizontal support by a connection to the end of said elongated frame member which connects said transverse hold-down members.

11. A container as defined in claim 10 in which said elongated frame member has channel-like end portions with openings therethrough for receiving a pivot member carried by said other end of each adjustable connector element. 

1. A container for suspending a bomb-like member comprising: a. a generally horizontal support extending transversely of the container, b. at least one pair of upstanding, spaced apart, fixed brackets carried by said horizontal support, c. resilient means supporting the ends of said horizontal support from said container, d. an upstanding, movable bracket pivotally connected adjacent its lower end to each of said fixed brackets, e. means limiting outward pivotal movement of the movable brackets carried by each said pair of fixed brackets away from each other, and f. a flexible support member connected adjacent opposite ends thereof to upper portions of said movable brackets and extending therebetween in position to extend transversely beneath and support a portion of a bomb-like member.
 2. A container as defined in claim 1 in which said means limiting outward pivotal movement of the movable brackets away from each other comprises a depending member carried by each said movable bracket extending downwardly alongside the fixed bracket adjacent thereto.
 3. A container as defined in claim 1 in which said resilient means is interposed between and secured to each side wall of the container and the upstanding fixed bracket adjacent thereto.
 4. A container as defined in claim 3 in which two pairs of said fixed brackets are carried by said horizontal support with the outermost fixed brackets of each said pair being secured to said resilient means and the innermost fixed brackets of each said pair of brackets being adjacent the center of the container whereby said apparatus is adapted to support adjacent portions of a pair of parallel bomb-like members.
 5. A container as defined in claim 4 in which two of said horizontal supports are mounted in said container in spaced relation to each other and in position to extend transversely beneath longitudinally spaced portions of said parallel bomb-like members.
 6. A container as defined in claim 5 in which said two horizontal supports are connected to each other by an elongated frame member which holds said horizontal supports in a fixed position relative to each other.
 7. A container as defined in claim 5 in which at least one transverse hold-down member is mounted in said container in position to extend across the tops of bomb-like members supported by said support member and at least one adjustable connector element is interposed between and operatively connected to said hold-down member and said horizontal support.
 8. A container as defined in claim 7 in whcih said hold-down member has a passageway therethrough for receiving a laterally projecting lug on a bomb-like member.
 9. A container as defined in claim 7 in which two of said transverse hold-down members are mounted in said container in spaced relation to each other and are connected to each other by an elongated frame member.
 10. A container as defined in claim 9 in which an adjustable connector element is operatively connected at one end to each said hold-down member and operatively connected at the other end thereof to the adjacent horizontal support by a connection to the end of said elongated frame member which connects said transverse hold-down members.
 11. A container as defined in claim 10 in which said elongated frame member has chaNnel-like end portions with openings therethrough for receiving a pivot member carried by said other end of each adjustable connector element. 